High Tension Release Jumper Cable

ABSTRACT

A high tension release jumper cable and, more specifically, a safety device to be used when releasing the tension on a high tension cable guard rail system is provided. The high tension release jumper cable may be used by fire and rescue personnel to safely release the tension on a cable of a high tension cable guard rail system when necessary to conduct a rescue, recovery, or extraction. The high tension release jumper cable includes a safety cable with a high power clamp mounted on each end. The two clamps are clamped to the cable of the cable guard rail system while leaving slack in the safety cable. The cable of the cable guard rail system may then be slowly cut, while the clamps and safety cable ensure that the proper amount of tension is safely released from the cable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein relates a high tension release jumper cable and, more specifically, a safety device to be used when releasing the tension on a high tension cable guard rail system. The present invention provides a high tension release jumper cable which may be used to safely release the tension on a cable of a high tension cable guard rail system.

In recent years, cable systems have begun to replace traditional guard rails as safety systems for roadside barriers, as high tension cable systems migrated from prior tie-down measures for securing equipment such as antennas, towers, or safety fences. Such cable roadside barrier systems are utilized along the edges of roadways and in the medians between roadways in order to stop or redirect errant vehicles toward a less hazardous path, thereby reducing damage to an impacting errant vehicle and injury to its occupants.

Using cable systems for these roadside barriers requires that the cables be maintained in constant tension, often very high tension, and not break loose. If the tension is not maintained, the roadside barrier cable system would fail as a securing mechanism. The cable used in these systems is typically manufactured from heavy gauge steel wire, rated to maintain a desired loading.

The steel cables of roadside barrier cable systems are pre-tensioned with an initial load, and are anchored at both ends of the system. When a vehicle impacts the system, which is most commonly uses a total of three cables, the cables have sufficient tension to absorb the impact of the vehicle and redirect the vehicle back towards the driving surface, or at least stopping the vehicle from continuing beyond the roadside barrier, effectively shielding the roadside hazard and increasing the safety of the driver and passengers of the vehicle. The support posts of the system alone offer very little resistance to the impacting vehicle; rather, the cables of the system provide are the primary method of absorbing the impact of the vehicle.

These systems are especially important on roads that do not have other types of barriers that could perform similar functions, such as curbs, concrete walls, or other safety equipment. Vehicles leaving the road and either rolling or entering opposing traffic lanes are responsible for numerous fatalities and injuries each year. Roadside barrier cable systems are intended to be a relatively inexpensive and easy to install way to reduce or prevent these injuries or fatalities.

However, the unexpected failure of the cable safety system, or the cutting of the cable of a cable system while still under tension, can result in potential injuries, or even fatalities, to bystanders or significant damage to items near the cable system.

Since these roadside barrier cable systems, or high tension cable guard rails, are, by necessity, mounted very near to roadways, such systems are regularly subject to impacts from vehicles that, due to a loss of control or other reasons, leave the roadway. The vehicles that are involved in such impacts often, due to the strength of the cable of the high tension cable guard rail and the energy of the errant vehicle, become entangled in or come to rest in close contact with the high tension cable guard rail. If the impact of the vehicle resulted in injuries to the occupants of the vehicle, the cables of the high tension cable guard rail may interfere with the rescue and extraction activities of rescuers. In such a case, the cable must be removed, or the tension on the cable released, in order for the rescuers to access the vehicle and attempt to rescue or extract the accident victims inside. Likewise, even where rescue or extraction of individuals from the vehicles is not necessary, it may be necessary to remove the cable or to release the tension on the cable in order to remove the vehicle from the side of the roadway and eliminate the vehicle as an obstruction on the roadway.

Prior art mechanisms for releasing the tension on the cable of a have taken several forms.

Some high tension cable guard rail systems have been designed to release the cable from its anchor upon the impact of a vehicle with the high tension cable guard rail by allowing a post or support of the system to fracture. In these mechanisms, the cable is passed through the base of a post such that when the post fractures on impact, the cable is freed from its anchor and the tension on the cable is released. However, such systems may cause the cable to be freed from its anchor before sufficient energy has been absorbed by the system, thereby allowing the vehicle to pass beyond the high tension cable guard rail system. Other times, the impact of the vehicle fails to free the cable from its anchor, thereby requiring rescuers or individuals removing the vehicle to find another way to release the tension on the cable.

In other systems, or if the system previously described fails to release the cable from its anchor, the tension on the cable must be released by manually releasing the tension from the cables of the system, generally be loosening the tensioners on the cable by rotating an end of the tensioner with a large wrench or similar tool.

While these conventional systems have proven successful, they also possess shortcomings. For example, these traditional systems may not always function perfectly or are time consuming to accomplish. The present invention is designed to provide a safe, fast, and effective way to release the tension on the cable of a high tension cable guard rail.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a high tension release jumper cable safety device to be used by fire and rescue personnel to safely release the tension on a cable of a high tension cable guard rail system when necessary to conduct a rescue, recovery, or extraction.

The present invention aims to address at least some of the problems with prior art systems and methods of releasing the tension on the cable of a high tension cable guard rail system by providing a system and method for a device for quickly, easily, and safely releasing a cable of a high tension cable guard rail system.

The general objective of the invention is to provide a cable with a locking clamp on each end, wherein the clamps can be secured to two locations on a cable of a high tension cable guard rail system with slack being left in the cable. Fire and rescue personnel may then slowly cut the cable of the high tension cable guard rail at a point that is between the location of the two clamps. As the cable is slowly cut, and the strands of the cable slowly separate and pull apart, the tension on the cable is slowly released. The present invention allows the fire and rescue personnel to control the amount of tension released from the cable by selecting the length of the cable used as part of the present invention. The present invention also provides increased safety in the event of a sudden release of the tension in the cable of the roadside safety system, due to the breakage of the cable or cutting the cable to quickly, by preventing the whipping of the ends of the broken or cut cable.

Thus, the present invention aims to provide a high tension release jumper cable safety device that provides a quick, easy, and safe way to release the tension on a high tension cable of a roadside safety system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of a clamp of a high tension release jumper cable of the present invention shown in its locked configuration.

FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of a clamp of a high tension release jumper cable of the present invention shown in its open configuration.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the clamp of the high tension release jumper cable of FIG. 1, also showing the connection of the clamp to a cable.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp of the high tension release jumper cable of FIG. 1, as shown along line A-A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an end of the cable of a high tension release jumper cable of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded side elevation view of an end of the cable of the high tension release jumper cable of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the end of the cable of the high tension release jumper cable of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the end of the cable of the high tension release jumper cable of FIG. 4, as shown along line D-D of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the high tension release jumper cable of the present invention shown attached to a cable of a roadside safety system, prior to the cutting of said cable.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the high tension release jumper cable of the present invention shown attached to a cable of a roadside safety system, after said cable has been cut and all tension released therefrom.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the high tension release jumper cable of the present invention shown attached to a cable of a roadside safety system, prior to the cutting of said cable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for releasing a cable of a high tension cable guard rail system. As discussed herein, under certain circumstances it may be necessary to release a cable, in tension, that is otherwise intended to serve as a barrier as part of a high tension cable guard rail system. Under these circumstances, it is desirable to provide a system and method that is safe and relatively simple, reliable, and reusable.

Referring now FIGS. 8-10, a typical roadside safety system 200, or high tension cable guard rail system, is shown in detail. FIG. 10 shows a side elevation view of the roadside safety system 200 along a surface 202, which is generally the roadway, or specifically the shoulder of the roadway. FIG. 10 shows a top plan view of roadside safety system 200 adjacent a two-lane road 204. The roadside safety system 200 is secured to the surface 202, which generally the ground or asphalt or concrete covered shoulder of the road 204. The exact location of the roadside safety system 200 varies and typically depends on the surrounding terrain and available property. As previously mentioned, roadside safety systems, such as the one depicted in FIGS. 8-10, have ends 206 and 208, respectively, and also a plurality of vertically extending support posts 210. Extending between support posts 210 are one or more cables 212, which are usually constructed of steel. Typically, three cables are utilized. The cables 212 are anchored to the ground surface 202 at the ends 206 and 208.

The roadside safety system 200 is illustrated and described herein for exemplary purposes as a three-cable, highway median safety barrier, or cable guardrail. However, it should be recognized that the system and method of the present invention described herein may be utilized in connection with various installations and configurations of roadside safety systems.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, there is illustrated a first form of a high tension release jumper cable 100 of the present invention. The high tension release jumper cable 10 includes a high-strength safety cable 12 with a clamp 14 on each end of the cable 12. That is, the high tension release jumper cable 10 includes the cable 12 and two clamps 14.

As best seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B and 2-3, the clamp 14 of the present invention includes an upper jaw assembly 16 and a lower jaw assembly 18.

The upper jaw assembly 16 includes an elongated handle member 20 having a channel 22 therein and an upper rolling cam lock housing 24. The channel 22 runs the entire length of the elongated handle member 20, but is closed at an end 26 of the elongated handle member 20 closest the cable 12 and is also closed at an opposite end 28 by the stationary upper jaw 30. The side walls of the channel 22 of the elongated handle member 20 preferably extend slightly inward at the end 26 of the elongated handle member 20 closest the cable 12, such that an enlarged end of a locking section 90 of an articulated lever 34 is retained within the channel 22 of the elongated handle member 20 even when the clamp 14 is in its open or unlocked configuration.

The end 26 of the elongated handle member 20 also defines an aperture 36 for receiving a pivot pin 38 for attaching the clamp 14 to the cable 12. The pivot pin 38 allows the cable 12 to rotate relative to the elongated handle member 20. Optionally, the elongated handle member 20 may include means for allowing the cable 12 to also swivel, or rotate axially, relative to the clamp 14.

The opposite end portion 28 of the elongated handle member 20 includes the stationary upper jaw 30 having an upper rolling cam lock 40 with a working face or surface 42 that is placed into contact with the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200. The upper rolling cam lock 40 is encased within the upper rolling cam lock housing 24 of the upper jaw assembly 16. The upper rolling cam lock housing 24 is offset from the elongated handle member 20 of the upper jaw assembly 16 to facilitate the connection of the clamp 14 to the high tension cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200 without the cable 212 interfering with the operation of the clamp 14. The upper rolling cam lock 40 is held within the upper rolling cam lock housing 24 by a pivot pin 44 that extends through apertures in the upper rolling cam lock housing 24 and elongated handle member 20, while allowing the upper rolling cam lock 40 to rotate relative to the elongated handle member 20. The upper rolling cam lock housing 24 also includes an upper rolling cam lock stop 46 that extends between the walls of the upper rolling cam lock housing 24 and elongated handle member 20 and extends through a slot 48 in the upper rolling cam lock 40 to place a limit on the rotation of the upper rolling cam lock 40.

The upper rolling cam lock 40 has a roughly elliptical configuration with a diameter that is smallest at a short edge 50 and that gradually increases until the upper rolling cam lock 40 terminates at a long edge 52. The short edge 50 of the upper rolling cam lock 40 is located near the opposite end portion 28 of the elongated handle member 20, while the long edge 52 is disposed away from the opposite end portion 28 of the elongated handle member 20.

The purpose of the upper rolling cam lock 40 is to provide an increased grip on the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 as tension on the high tension release jumper cable 10 increases. That is, when tension on the high tension release jumper cable 10 increases due to the cutting of the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 the tension will cause the clamp 14 to have a tendency to pull back toward the safety cable 12 of the high tension release jumper cable 10. If this tension causes the clamp 14 to start to shift relative to the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200, the shifting of the clamp 14 will cause the upper rolling cam lock 40 to begin to rotate relative to the elongated handle member 20. Due to the elliptical shape of the upper rolling cam lock 40, as the upper rolling cam lock 40 rotates the grip of the upper rolling cam lock 40 on the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 will increase as the diameter of the upper rolling cam lock 40 increases. As such, the clamp 14 utilizes any tension in the safety cable 12 of the high tension release jumper cable 10 to prevent slippage of the clamp 14 along the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200.

The portion of the elongated handle member 20 immediately adjacent to the stationary upper jaw 30 is transversely enlarged and the outer or free edges of the side walls of this enlarged portion 54 of the stationary upper jaw 30 are arcuate and disposed on a curvature concentric to a pivot pin 56 or member that extends through apertures that are located on the two sides of the channel 22 of the elongated handle member 20.

The pivot pin 56 is supported by the side walls of the channel 22 of the elongated handle member 20 located within the enlarged portion 54 of the stationary upper jaw 30 and bridges the space between the side walls. The pivot pin 56 is also freely disposed through an inwardly directed flange 58 of a movable lower jaw 60 of the lower jaw assembly 18. The flange 58 fits substantially snug between the side walls of the enlarged portion 54 of the stationary upper jaw 30 and within the channel 22 of the elongated handle member 20.

The stationary upper jaw 30 also includes an aperture 126, hook, or other similar connection means between the end 26 and the opposite end 28 of the elongated handle member 20 for receiving a retractable member 64.

The lower jaw assembly 18 includes the movable lower jaw 60, a lower cam lock housing 66, and the articulated lever 34.

The movable lower jaw 60 includes a lower rolling cam lock 68 with a working face or surface 70 that is placed into contact with the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200. The lower rolling cam lock 68 is encased within the lower rolling cam lock housing 66 of the lower jaw assembly 18. The lower rolling cam lock housing 66 is offset from the movable lower jaw 60 and articulated lever 34 of the lower jaw assembly 18 to facilitate the connection of the clamp 14 to the high tension cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200 without the cable 212 interfering with the operation of the clamp 14. The lower rolling cam lock 68 is held within the lower rolling cam lock housing 66 by a pivot pin 72 that extends through apertures in the lower rolling cam lock housing 66 and movable lower jaw 60, while allowing the lower rolling cam lock 68 to rotate relative to the movable lower jaw 60. The lower rolling cam lock housing 66 also includes an lower rolling cam lock stop 74 that extends between the walls of the lower rolling cam lock housing 66 and movable lower jaw 60 and extends through a slot 76 in the lower rolling cam lock 68 to place a limit on the rotation of the lower rolling cam lock 68.

Similar to the upper rolling cam lock 40, the lower rolling cam lock 68 has a roughly elliptical configuration with a diameter that is smallest at a short edge 78 and that gradually increases until the lower rolling cam lock terminates at a long edge 80. The short edge 78 of the lower rolling cam lock 68 is located near a leading edge 82 of the movable lower jaw 60, while the long edge 80 is disposed away from the leading edge 82 of the movable lower jaw 60.

The purpose of the lower rolling cam lock 68, like the upper rolling cam lock 40, is to provide an increased grip on the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 as tension on the high tension release jumper cable 10 increases. When tension on the high tension release jumper cable 10 increases due to the cutting of the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 the tension will cause the clamp 14 to have a tendency to pull back toward the safety cable 12 of the high tension release jumper cable 10. If this tension causes the clamp 14 to start to shift relative to the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200, the shifting of the clamp 14 will cause the lower rolling cam lock 68 to begin to rotate relative to the movable lower jaw 60 and articulated lever 34. Due to the elliptical shape of the lower rolling cam lock 68, as the lower rolling cam lock 68 rotates the grip of the lower rolling cam lock 68 on the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 will increase as the diameter of the lower rolling cam lock 68 increases. Therefore, the clamp 14 utilizes any tension in the safety cable 12 of the high tension release jumper cable 10 to prevent slippage of the clamp 14 along the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200.

The working face 70 of the lower rolling cam lock 68 of the movable lower jaw 60 is disposed at such an angle that when the movable lower jaw 60 is at the limit of its movement toward the stationary upper jaw 30 the outer working face 70 of the lower rolling cam lock 68 of the movable lower jaw 60 and the working face 42 of the upper rolling cam lock 40 of the stationary upper jaw 30 are roughly parallel. The working faces of the lower rolling cam lock 68 and the upper rolling cam lock 40 are also roughened in a conventional manner to facilitate their gripping action when the high tension release jumper cable 10 is attached to the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200. For example, the working faces of the lower rolling cam lock 68 and the upper rolling cam lock 40 may include teeth similar to those on other conventional tools, such as wrenches.

While the clamp 14 of the high tension release jumper cable 10 preferably includes both the upper rolling cam lock 40 and the lower rolling cam lock 68 to better prevent slippage of the clamp 14 on the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200, alternatively one of the rolling cam locks may be omitted and be replaced by a fixed working face. The omission of one of the rolling cam locks reduces the overall grip of the clamp 14 on the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 when the high tension release jumper cable 10 is placed under tension, but even with only one rolling cam lock the grip of the clamp 14 on the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 will be sufficient to substantially prevent slippage.

The movable lower jaw 60 also includes the flange 58 of the lower jaw assembly 18. The flange 58 fits substantially snug between the side walls of the enlarged portion 54 of the stationary upper jaw 30 and within the channel 22 of the elongated handle member 20. The pivot pin 56 extends through an aperture in the flange 58 and is supported by the side walls of the channel 22 of the elongated handle member 20. The pivot pin 56 is freely disposed through the flange 58 of the movable lower jaw 60 of the lower jaw assembly 18, such that the movable lower jaw 60 may rotate relative to the stationary upper jaw 30.

The movable lower jaw 60 also defines an aperture through which a pivot pin 84 extends. The pivot pin 84 is supported by side walls of the front portion 86 of the articulated lever 34. The side walls of the front portion 86 of the articulated lever 34 extend from the articulated lever 34 and the movable lower jaw 60 fits substantially snug between the side walls of the front portion 86 of the articulated lever 34. The pivot pin 84 allows the movable lower jaw 60 and articulated lever 34 to rotate relative to each other.

The movable lower jaw also includes an aperture 128 for receiving the retractable member 64.

The articulated lever 34 includes an operating handle 88 and a locking section 90 that are pivotally engaged through a pivot pin 92 of the articulated lever 34 that is inserted through pivot apertures in the operating handle 88 and locking section 90. The operating handle 88 includes a channel 94 therein. The channel 94 runs the entire length of the operating handle 88, giving the operating handle 88 a U-shaped cross-section.

The locking section 90 of the articulated lever 34 is adapted to extend within the channel 22 of the elongated handle member 20 of the upper jaw assembly 16 and have contact with the end 26 of the elongated handle member 20. As such, the locking section 90 is generally flat and solid component that includes an aperture for receiving the pivot pin 92 of the articulated lever 34, provided, however, that the portion of the locking section 90 that extends within the channel 22 of the elongated handle member 20 is preferably slightly wider and thicker than the rest of the locking section 90, such that the end of the locking section 90 remains held within the channel 22 even when the clamp 14 is in its open or unlocked configuration. Preferably the locking section 90 also includes an arcuate portion 96 that extends from the edge of the locking section 90, generally in roughly the middle of the locking section 90. The purpose of the arcuate portion 96 is to aid in the unlocking of the clamp 14 when a release lever 98 of the operating handle 88 is operated.

Upon pressure being imposed on the operating handle 88 of the articulated lever 34 of the lower jaw assembly 18, and with the locking section 90 in contact with the end 26 of the elongated handle member 20 within the channel 22 of the elongated handle member 20 of the upper jaw assembly 16, the movable lower jaw 60 is forced toward the stationary upper jaw 30 and then locks into a locked configuration, whereby the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 may be effectively gripped between the movable lower jaw 60 and the stationary upper jaw and the clamp 14 is locked into position.

Preferably, the articulated lever 34 also includes the release lever 98 that is pivotally attached to the articulated lever 34 by a pivot pin 100 that extends through pivot apertures in the articulated lever 34 and the release lever 98. The release lever 98 includes a release portion 102 that extends upward from the articulated lever 34, such that the release portion 102 of the release lever 98 may be operated by a user by pressing the release portion 102 downward toward the operating handle 88. The release lever 98 also includes an end portion 104 opposite the release portion 102 that, when the release portion 102 is pressed toward the operating handle 88, comes into contact with the locking section 90 of the articulated lever 34 and presses the locking section 90 of the articulated lever 34 away from the operating handle 88 of the articulated lever 34, thereby causing the locking portion 90 to pivot relative to the operating handle 88. The pivoting of the locking portion 90 relative to the operating handle 88 causes the articulated lever 34 to articulate, thereby unlocking the clamp 14 and allowing the movable lower jaw 60 to shift to its open configuration from its locked configuration.

When the release lever 98 is pressed, movable lower jaw 60 is released from its locked configuration and may be shifted to its open or unlocked configuration, thereby allowing the clamp 14 to be removed from the high tension cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200. That is, when the release lever 98 is pressed, the articulated lever 34 of the clamp 14 disengages and allows the clamp 14 to be opened. When the clamp 14 is in its open or unlocked configuration, the clamp 14 can be opened such that the working face 70 of the lower rolling cam lock 68 of the movable lower jaw 60 and the working face 42 of the upper rolling cam lock 40 of the stationary upper jaw 30 are separated by approximately three to four inches. This distance is sufficient to allow the clamp 14 to be utilized with a traditional high tension cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200. However, alternatively, the clamp 14 may be designed to open different distances to accommodate larger or small cables.

While the articulated lever 34 preferably includes a release lever 98 to facilitate the easy release of the clamp 14 from a cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200, the release lever 98 may alternatively be omitted from the clamp 14 while remaining within the spirit of the present invention. If the release lever 98 is omitted from the articulated lever 34 of the clamp 14, then the user will be required to pull the operating handle 88 of the articulated lever 34 away from the elongated handle member 20 of the upper jaw assembly 16 in order to open the clamp 14.

An end portion 106 of a retractable member 64 is engaged with the flange 58 of the movable lower jaw 60 at the aperture 128. The retractable member 64 is preferably a coil spring, as shown herein, but alternatively the retractable member 64 may any retractable component known in the art. The opposite end 108 of the retractable member 64 is anchored or attached to the elongated handle member 20 at the aperture 126. The retractable member 64 provides a means whereby the movable lower jaw 60 is automatically moved into its open configuration from its locked configuration when the clamp 14 is released.

An example of the clamp 14 in its locked configuration is shown in FIG. 1A, while an example of the clamp 14 in its open configuration is shown in FIG. 1B

Optionally, the end 26 of the elongated handle member 20 may define a threaded aperture therethrough for receiving an adjustment bolt. Where such an adjustment bolt is utilized, the adjustment bolt has a head whereby the adjustment bolt can be conveniently adjusted by the user by the user turning the head of the adjustment bolt with their fingers. An inner end portion of the adjustment bolt is provided with a point which engages the locking section 90 of the articulated lever 34, such that the locking section 90 of the articulated lever 34 engages the end of the adjustment bolt rather than the end 26 of the elongated handle member 20 as previously disclosed herein. By moving the adjustment bolt inwardly or outwardly relative to the end 26 of the elongated handle member 20, the fulcrum for the locking section 90 of the articulated lever 34 may be adjusted, thereby adjusting the closed configuration of the movable lower jaw 60 relative to the stationary upper jaw 30. As such, the adjustment bolt allows the distance between the movable lower jaw 60 relative to the stationary upper jaw 30, when the clamp 14 is in its closed configuration, to be adjusted to accommodate cables 212 of the roadside safety system 200 having different diameters.

The clamp 14 is preferably made of metal components, and more preferably of steel components, such as alloy spring steel components. However, the clamp 14 may alternatively be made of any high strength materials that are sufficient to withstand the forces on the clamp 14 during the use of the high tension release jumper cable 10.

While in general both clamps 14 of the high tension release jumper cable 10 will have the same construction, alternatively, the two clamps 14 of the high tension release jumper cable 10 may have different designs that fall within the spirit of the present invention.

As best seen in FIGS. 4-7, the safety cable assembly 110 of the high tension release jumper cable 10 of the present invention includes the safety cable 12 and a cable endcap 112 on each end of the safety cable 12. That is, the safety cable assembly 110 includes the safety cable 12 itself and two cable endcaps 112.

The endcap 112 of the safety cable assembly 110 includes a cylindrical portion 114 for receiving the end 116 of the safety cable 12 and defines an aperture 118 for receiving the pivot pin 38 for attaching the endcap 112 of the safety cable assembly 112 to the aperture 36 of the clamp 14.

The cylindrical portion 114 of the endcap 112 defines at least one tapped aperture 120 for receiving a threaded cable locking screw 122 for attaching the endcap 112 to the safety cable 12. Preferably, the cylindrical portion 114 of the endcap 112 defines two tapped apertures 120 for receiving two threaded cable locking screws 122 for attaching the endcap 112 to the safety cable 12. The threaded cable locking screws 122 are threaded into the tapped apertures 120 to engage the end 116 of the safety cable 12 to secure the safety cable 12 to the endcap 112 and to prevent the safety cable 12 from pulling out of the endcap 112 when the high tension release jumper cable 10 is placed under tension.

Optionally, threaded cable locking screws 122 may be spot welded directly to the endcap 112 once the threaded cable locking screws 122 have fully engaged the safety cable 12 to ensure that the threaded cable locking screws 122 to not loosen during use.

Alternatively, rather than using cable locking screws 122 to secure the safety cable 12 to the endcap 112, the end 116 of the safety cable 12 may be spot welded to the endcap 112, provided that the amount of spot welding is sufficient to secure the safety cable 12 to the endcap 112.

While in general both endcaps 112 of the safety cable assembly 110 will have the same construction, alternatively, the two endcaps 112 may have different designs that fall within the spirit of the present invention.

Preferably, the safety cable 12 is a steel cable and, more preferably, is a 0.75 inch 3-wire or 0.75 inch 4-wire 3×7 steel cable covered by a protective cover 124. In general, it is preferred that the safety cable 12 is of a stranded or rope-type cable, but alternatively any other type of high strength cable may be utilized as the safety cable 12.

The protective cover 124 is preferably clear, as a clear cover allows inspection of the safety cable 12 while preventing any damage or abrasions to the roadway safety system 200 or to the user of the high tension release jumper cable 10 due to the wire strands of the safety cable 12. Optionally, the protective cover 124 may also include high visibility markings to aid in determining the location of the safety cable 12 during night-time operations.

Alternatively, the protective cover 124 may be omitted from the safety cable 12 without changing the effectiveness of the high tension release jumper cable 10.

The length of the safety cable 12 may be of any length desired by an end user and is determined by the overall length of the high tension release jumper cable desired by the end user and the amount of tension release (from the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200) desired by the end user. The longer the safety cable 12, the more tension the high tension release jumper cable 10 can release from the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200, or the more slack the use of the high tension release jumper cable 10 can create in the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200. Thus, a variety of different lengths may be used for the safety cable 12 depending upon the characteristics desired by the end user. As an illustration only, a safety cable length of approximately sixteen (16) feet may be utilized.

The clamp 14 is attached to the cable 212 by the solid pivot pin 38 or rod that is inserted through the aperture 36 of the clamp 14 and the aperture 118 of the endcap 112 of the safety cable assembly 110. The pin 38 thereby secures the clamp 14 to the safety cable assembly 110 while allowing the clamp 14 and safety cable assembly 110 to pivot relative to each other, thereby preventing the binding of the safety cable assembly 110. As discussed herein, alternatively the clamp 14 may be configured to also allow the safety cable assembly 110 to also rotate axially relative to the clamp 14.

The upper rolling cam lock 40 and the lower rolling cam lock 68 are designed to lock onto the high tension cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200 when the elongated handle member 20 and the operating handle 88 of the clamp 14 are squeezed together. Additionally, as discussed herein, the upper rolling cam lock and the lower rolling cam lock 68 are configured such that when tension is applied to the high tension release jumper cable 10, for example when the high tension cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200 is cut between the two clamps 14 of the high tension release jumper cable 10, the upper rolling cam lock 40 and the lower rolling cam lock 68 rotate and press together and increase the grip of the clamp 14 on the high tension cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200.

Preferably, the width of the upper rolling cam lock 40 and the lower rolling cam lock 68 is at least twice the diameter of the high tension cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200 with which the high tension release jumper cable 10 is to be used to ensure full coverage of the cable 212. However, alternatively, the width of the upper rolling cam lock 40 and the lower rolling cam lock 68 may be any width that provides a engagement surface between the upper rolling cam lock 40 and the lower rolling cam lock 68 and the cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200 that is sufficient to provide enough grip to prevent the shifting of the clamp 14 along the cable 212 when the high tension release jumper cable 10 is placed under tension.

When a vehicle impacts the roadway safety system 200 in such a way that the vehicle becomes entangled in the cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200, and it is necessary to release the tension on the cable 212 in order to rescue or extract individuals from the vehicle or to remove the vehicle itself, the high tension release jumper cable 10 may be used to safely and quickly release the tension on the cable 212, thereby allowing rescuers to disentangle the vehicle from the cable 212.

To operate the high tension release jumper cable 10, the user opens both clamps 14 and places them on either side of section of the cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200 that needs to be released from tension. Once the user determines the section of the cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200 that needs to be released from tension, one clamp 14 is placed on each side of the location where the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 will be cut and the clamps 14 are placed so that the cable 212 is in line with the clamps 14, and specifically the stationary upper jaw 30 (and upper rolling cam lock 40) and the movable lower jaw 60 (and the lower rolling cam lock 68). The user then squeezes the elongated handle member 20 and the operating handle 88 of the first clamp 14 until the clamp 14 engages the cable 212 and locks into place. The user then provides sufficient slack in the safety cable 12 to allow the tension on the cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200 to be completely released before attaching the other clamp 14. The user then squeezes the elongated handle member 20 and the operating handle 88 of the other clamp 14 until the second clamp 14 engages the cable 212 and locks into place. Once both clamps 14 have been clamped to the cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200, the high tension release jumper cable 10 is in place. FIG. 8 shows the high tension release jumper cable 10 of the present invention attached to the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 prior to the cutting of the cable 212.

Once the high tension release jumper cable 10 is in place, the user may slowly cut the cable 212 of the roadway safety system 200, thereby releasing the tension on the cable 212. The mechanism for cutting the cable 212 may be of any method generally known in the art. For example, it may be cut using a cable cutter, a hydraulic cutter, or a saw. The user then slowly cuts the cable 212, thereby slowly releasing tension from the cable 212 as the cut strands of the cable 212 unravel or unwind, thereby transferring tension from the cable 212 to the high tension release jumper cable 100. FIG. 9 shows the high tension release jumper cable 10 of the present invention attached to the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 after the cable 212 has been cut.

Preferably, the user cuts the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 slowly to allow the tension therein to slowly be released and transferred into the high tension release jumper cable 10. The slow cutting of the cable 212 reduces the likelihood that the user could be injured by the sudden release of tension from the cable 212.

Although the slow cutting of the cable 212 of the roadside safety system 200 is recommended, if necessary the cable 212 may alternatively be cut quickly, as the high tension release jumper cable 10 will reduce or eliminate the whipping of the cut ends of the cable 212.

Once the cable 212 has been completely cut, tension in the cable 212 will have been released. The amount of tension released from the cable 212 will depend upon the length of the safety cable 12 of the high tension release jumper cable 10. As a result of the cutting of the cable 212, the cable 212 will loosen and allow for the safe rescue or extraction of individuals in the vehicle or the safe removal of the vehicle from the roadway safety system 200.

In cases where a vehicle is entangled in multiple cables 212 of the roadway safety system 200, multiple applications of the high tension release jumper cable 10, or multiple high tension release jumper cables 10, may be necessary to remove the tension from all of the cables 212.

It will be recognized by one skilled in the art that the size, configuration, or dimensions of the high tension release jumper cable 10 of the present invention may be adjusted to be used with a variety of different configurations of high tension cable guard rail systems and different types and strengths of high tension cable guard rail cables.

While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention, as defined in the appended claims, without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention, but that the present invention will include any embodiments falling within the description of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A safety device comprising: a first clamp; a second clamp; and a safety cable, wherein the safety cable includes a first end and a second end and wherein the first clamp is secured to the first end of the safety cable and the second clamp is secured to the second end of the safety cable; wherein the first clamp and the second clamp each comprise: a stationary jaw and a movable jaw, wherein the movable jaw is pivotally connected to the stationary jaw and wherein the stationary jaw includes a handle; an articulated lever between the stationary jaw and the movable jaw for moving the movable jaw relative to the stationary jaw, wherein a first section of the articulated lever is pivotally connected to the movable jaw and a second section of the articulated lever contacts the stationary jaw, wherein the first section of the articulate lever and the second section of the articulated lever are pivotally connected, and wherein the first section of the articulated lever includes an operating handle; and a retractable member, wherein the retractable member includes a first end and a second end and wherein the first end of the retractable member is secured to the movable jaw and the second end of the retractable member is secured to the stationary jaw; wherein the first clamp and the second clamp each have a locked configuration wherein the movable jaw and the stationary jaw may engage a cable of a roadside safety system and an unlocked configuration wherein the movable jaw and stationary jaw are shifted away from each other and may disengage from the cable of the roadside safety system.
 2. The safety device of claim 1 wherein the stationary jaw of the first clamp includes a rolling cam lock, wherein the rolling cam lock has a generally elliptical configuration.
 3. The safety device of claim 2 wherein the stationary jaw of the first clamp further comprises a rolling cam lock housing and the rolling cam lock is encased within the rolling cam lock housing.
 4. The safety device of claim 2 wherein the movable jaw of the first clamp includes a rolling cam lock, wherein the rolling cam lock has a generally elliptical configuration.
 5. The safety device of claim 4 wherein the movable jaw of the first clamp further comprises a rolling cam lock housing and the rolling cam lock is encased within the rolling cam lock housing.
 6. The safety device of claim 1 wherein the stationary jaw of the second clamp includes a rolling cam lock, wherein the rolling cam lock has a generally elliptical configuration.
 7. The safety device of claim 6 wherein the stationary jaw of the second clamp further comprises a rolling cam lock housing and the rolling cam lock is encased within the rolling cam lock housing.
 8. The safety device of claim 6 wherein the movable jaw of the second clamp includes a rolling cam lock, wherein the rolling cam lock has a generally elliptical configuration.
 9. The safety device of claim 8 wherein the movable jaw of the second clamp further comprises a rolling cam lock housing and the rolling cam lock is encased within the rolling cam lock housing.
 10. The safety device of claim 1 wherein the stationary jaw of the first clamp and the stationary jaw of the second clamp each include a rolling cam lock, wherein the rolling cam lock has a generally elliptical configuration and wherein the movable jaw of the first clamp and the movable jaw of the second clamp each include a rolling cam lock, wherein the rolling cam lock has a generally elliptical configuration.
 11. The safety device of claim 10 wherein the stationary jaw of the first clamp and the stationary jaw of the second clamp each further comprise a rolling cam lock housing and the rolling cam locks of the stationary jaw of the first clamp and the stationary jaw of the second clamp are encased within the rolling cam lock housing and wherein the movable jaw of the first clamp and the movable jaw of the second clamp each further comprise a rolling cam lock housing and the rolling cam locks of the movable jaw of the first clamp and the movable jaw of the second clamp are encased within the rolling cam lock housing.
 12. The safety device of claim 11 wherein each rolling cam lock includes a roughened working surface.
 13. The safety device of claim 12 wherein the working surface includes teeth.
 14. The safety device of claim 1 wherein the retractable member is configured to cause the first clamp and the second clamp to automatically shift from a locked configuration to a unlocked configuration when the first clamp and the second claim are released from their locked configuration.
 15. The safety device of claim 1 wherein the operating handle of the articulated lever of the first clamp and the operating handle of the articulated lever of the second clamp each include a release lever that is pivotally attached to the operating handle comprising an operating section and a release section and wherein the release lever is operated by pressing the operating section toward the operating handle.
 16. The safety device of claim 15 wherein the operation of the release lever of the first clamp causes the first clamp to shift from its locked configuration to its unlocked configuration, and wherein the operation of the release lever of the second clamp causes the second clamp to shift from its locked configuration to its unlocked configuration.
 17. The safety device of claim 15 wherein the second section of the articulated lever of the first clamp and the second section of the articulated lever of the second clamp each include an arcuate portion projecting from the second section and wherein the operation of the operating section of the release lever causes the release section of the release lever to contact the arcuate portion.
 18. The safety device of claim 17 wherein the contact of the release section of the release lever of the first clamp with the arcuate portion of the second section of the articulated lever of the first clamp causes the first clamp to shift from its locked configuration to its unlocked configuration, and wherein the contact of the release section of the release lever of the second clamp with the arcuate portion of the second section of the articulated lever of the second clamp causes the second clamp to shift from its locked configuration to its unlocked configuration.
 19. The safety device of claim 1 wherein the first clamp is pivotally connected to the first end of the safety cable and the second clamp is pivotally connected to the second end of the safety cable.
 20. A method for releasing the tension on a cable of a roadside safety system comprising the steps of: (a) providing a safety device comprising: a first clamp; a second clamp; and a safety cable, wherein the safety cable includes a first end and a second end and wherein the first clamp is secured to the first end of the safety cable and the second clamp is secured to the second end of the safety cable; wherein the first clamp and the second clamp each comprise: a stationary jaw and a movable jaw, wherein the movable jaw is pivotally connected to the stationary jaw and wherein the stationary jaw includes a handle; an articulated lever between the stationary jaw and the movable jaw for moving the movable jaw relative to the stationary jaw, wherein a first section of the articulated lever is pivotally connected to the movable jaw and a second section of the articulated lever contacts the stationary jaw, wherein the first section of the articulate lever and the second section of the articulated lever are pivotally connected, and wherein the first section of the articulated lever includes an operating handle; and a retractable member, wherein the retractable member includes a first end and a second end and wherein the first end of the retractable member is secured to the movable jaw and the second end of the retractable member is secured to the stationary jaw; wherein the first clamp and the second clamp each have a locked configuration wherein the movable jaw and the stationary jaw may engage a cable of a roadside safety system and an unlocked configuration wherein the movable jaw and stationary jaw are shifted away from each other and may disengage from the cable of the roadside safety system; (b) securing the first clamp of the safety device to the cable of the roadside safety system at a first location; (c) securing the second clamp of the safety device to the cable of the roadside safety system at a second location, such that there is slack in the safety cable of the safety device; (d) cutting the cable of the roadside safety system at a location between the first location and the second location. 